Manatee County to distribute sandbags this week as officials urge residents to monitor news & prepar
As Hurricane Irma continues build into an "extremely dangerous" storm, Manatee County officials urged local residents to monitor the storm closely.
Manatee County Emergency Management officials today are in regular contact with state officials while monitoring the storm and urged Manatee County residents to make plans early this week in preparation for a Category 5 hurricane with potential for huge impacts in southern Florida. Emergency plans and preparation tips are available at www.mymanatee.org.emergency.
"We strongly urge residents and visitors to implement their personal plans," Manatee County Emergency Management Chief Sherilyn Burris said. "Now is the time. The storm still has a lot of forecast uncertainty, so don't wait until it's too late to make a plan."
County crews will distribute sandbags from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday at the following locations:
- Buffalo Creek Park – 7550 69th St. E., Palmetto
- G.T. Bray Park – 5502 33rd Ave. Dr. W., Bradenton
- Lakewood Ranch Park – 5350 Lakewood Ranch Blvd., Bradenton
- Stormwater Ops – 5511 39th St. E., Bradenton
- Rubonia Community Center – 1309 72nd St. E., Palmetto
Today, Big Earth Landscape Supply will offer free sand at its two locations: 6001 15th St. E., Bradenton and 1010 10th St. E., Palmetto.
There are no plans yet for an evacuation or shelter openings, but Burris said residents should monitor the news and the County's social media pages for updates. Follow Manatee County on Facebook at www.facebook.com/manatee.county.fl and on Twitter, @ManateeGov. Follow Manatee County Emergency Management on Facebook and on Twitter @MCGPublicSafety.
For more information on Manatee County Government, visit online at www.mymanatee.org or call (941) 748-4501.